Mar 30th - John Climacus

In keeping with the apparent theme for this month, John was a hermit at St. Catherine's in the Sinai. Climacus ((Κλίμαξ in Greek)) translates into "of the Ladder" because that is his best known work. In it he instructs the reader on how to raise one's soul to God, as if climbing up a ladder. This work is especially popular during this Lenten season and probably a good way for us to think about the season. Certainly worth the read.
We share this saint with Orthodox Christians and I am glad we do.

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Some people living carefree in the world have asked me: “We have wives and are beset with social cares, and how can we lead the solitary life?” I replied to them: “Do all the good you can; do not speak evil of anyone; do not steal from anyone; do not lie to anyone; do not be arrogant towards anyone; do not hate any one; be sure you go to church; be compassionate to the needy; do not offend anyone; do not wreck another man’s domestic happiness; and be content with what your own wives can give you. If you behave in this way you will not be far from the Kingdom of Heaven.”
 
– The Ladder of Divine Ascent, 21